UGC’s women golfers take strength despite first league loss 2-4

By P Utter

IT would seem that the winter months are here with gloriously cool days of sun, no humidity and slightly nippy nights.

It can be safely said that every outdoor sportsman or woman is really enjoying the cooler weather.

Last Sunday was a case in point at Umkomaas Golf Club (UGC) where the women’s league side trooped down to Port Edward Golf Club to play in their first KZN club league match of 2016 which they played against the Port Shepstone frog side and although they lost 2-4, there is some good news.

Annette and Sabiha won their match, Michelle and Denise lost with only three holes to go on the 15th and Linda and Lesa lost but were initially three holes down, making up very well and losing at the end on the 18th. Well done to them all – it wasn’t a complete disaster and although they lost this particular match, there is always the next game to make it up when playing their home course on 26 June.

Secondly, the club within the main club – the Strand Strikers – held and hosted a very successful sponsored alliance day, with a shot-gun start last Sunday and it’s all thanks to Trevor Osborne, Hayden Davies and their team for putting together the whole day so brilliantly and getting all the magnificent prizes.

Winners were Eric Morsner, Jimmy Spear, Wally Kent and John Gillett who all had a fantastic round – so congratulations to them on their win.

Last week’s mid-week competition was a ‘blue Wednesday’ which was won by Barrie Taylor, counting out Dave Kemp into second place both with 39 points. In third spot was Piet ‘Jorsie’ Vermaak in third spot, also on a count out from Dudley Pringle in fourth slot, both with 37 points.

Saturday’s competition was the alliance league which, as always, was the highlight of the month and extremely competitive among the teams. Selwyn Hesom was welcomed at prize-giving and filled in for the ‘Mambas’ on the day but the winners were the ‘XLC’s’ (ex-lady captain) team, consisting of Rob Finlay, Dave Mulroy, John Gillett and Annette Gillett on 91 good points with the ‘Bar Flies’ of Jim Spear, Eric Morsner Wally Kent and Michelle van der Merwe in second spot with 89 points. In third place were ‘The Chancers’ John Thompson, Deneys Williamson, Mike Harvard and Graham Coxell on 88 points. Well done to them all.

Denise Nell won the jackpot this week with 12 points but, once again, the hidden birdie (third hole) will be carried over to next week. There were three two-clubs as well, Deneys Williamson on the fourth and 17th and Wally Kent on the 13th. Visitor, Selwyn Hesom took home the attendance draw with Wally Kent scooping the birds in the football sweep with Colwyn Bay FC.

This Saturday, 28 May will be a fourball better ball competition – call the club to book a time.

A reminder that the women’s section is having their women’s open mixed alliance day and a ‘hey days’ craft market on Sunday, 29 May. The golf will start a little early so that the players can enjoy the craft market and activities that will be happening on the day. The golf is open to all, both women and their spouse, boyfriend, partner or whoever – so call Linda on 083-787-7766 to book a time or the club on 039-973-1042. This promises to be a great day so come on down to Umkomaas and join in the fun.

Also on the cards is a domino, darts and pool evening organised for Friday, 3 June – this is also guaranteed to be an awesome evening and loads of fun for all. To reserve your spot, call Annette Gillett on 082-927-5013 for more details.

The Sardine Run is almost upon us and time is getting shorter by the day for entering this great three-day competition. To enter, log onto the website at www.sardinegolf.co.za and follow the relevant links.

The Sardine Run links can also be found on UGC’s website at www.umkomaasgolf.co.za where you will find loads of club details too.